North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah

An island paradise awaits, just a short ferry trip from Cleveland in Redlands Coast. The abundance of activities and attractions on offer makes North Stradbroke Island / Minjerribah a perfect day trip destination for beachgoers and nature lovers. Start your day along the scenic North Gorge Headland Walk, keeping your eyes peeled for whales frolicking in the distance (between June and November), as well as dolphins, turtles and manta rays in the clear waters of the gorge. Follow the coastline along to Cylinder Beach, the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely afternoon swimming and soaking up the sunshine.

If you’re making your own way to the island, book an unforgettable cultural experience with Yura Tours or, for a complete change of pace, snorkel or scuba dive among manta rays with Manta Lodge & Scuba Centre. For a completely planned itinerary, let Kiff and Culture do all the work for you, curating an all-inclusive, fun-filled Stradbroke Island Day Trip Tour including ferry transfers.

Moreton Island/ Mulgumpin 

Plan a day of adventure at Moreton Island / Mulgumpin, the third largest sand island in the world. To explore the natural wonders of Moreton Island/Mulgumpin in a day, join a tour with See Moreton, Australian Sunset Safaris, Adventure Moreton Island or River to Bay.

Tangalooma Island Resort also offer day cruises with access to resort facilities. From underwater exploration to off-road action, there is no shortage of adrenaline-fuelled activities to fill your day. Snorkel the Tangalooma Wrecks and dive with some of Queensland’s most colourful sea life, kayak the crystal-clear waters to experience stunning marine life from above, or book in a heli-flight or parasailing tour to discover this natural paradise from above. Tangalooma Day Trips offers an array of other island experiences including sand tobogganing, desert safaris, ATV quad bike tours and whale watching (seasonal from June to November).

Samford and Mount Nebo

Take a short drive through the green surrounds of Brisbane’s West to Samford. Just a short 45-minute drive from Brisbane City, Samford exudes a country town feel with plenty of quaint cafes, craft shops and museums. Take a leisurely walk along the Samford Valley Heritage Trail as it meanders through 13 historical sites, including galleries and heritage buildings so you can take a step back in time. Continue your drive up to Mount Glorious for a mountain walk and afternoon tea at one of the cafes such as the picturesque Mount Glorious Café, a popular stop for motorbike riders.

St Helena Island National Park

Transport yourself back to colonial times as you cruise from the mainland across Moreton Bay to St Helena Island National Park. From its beginnings as an important Indigenous hunting ground to its foundation as a 19th-Century prison settlement, learn from knowledgeable local tour guides about the island’s rich and surprising history. Choose a day tour or a spooky night tour to enjoy the surroundings, a hearty meal and the colourful stories passed down through the years. 

Tamborine Mountain  

Tamborine Mountain is a spectacular oasis for nature lovers, art enthusiasts and adventurers. Spend your morning wandering the dense forests of Tamborine National Park and catch a glimpse of some of the area’s most colourful birds and wildlife. If you’re feeling adventurous, visit the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk and enjoy the spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean from high above in the trees.

A short drive away, the nearby Gallery Walk and Main Street beckon you to browse and shop through more than 60 art and craft stores and local cafes, perfect to refuel after your walk. Be sure to set aside time for a Tamborine Mountain Distillery Tour to sample its distinctive delights. For more experiences like this, book a tour of Tamborine’s many wineries, breweries, distilleries and local food producers with The Vino Bus or Kiff & Culture. These tours ferry you in air-conditioned comfort from Brisbane to gourmet destinations throughout Tamborine Mountain and surrounds.

Bribie Island 

Pumicestone Passage separates Bribie Island from the mainland and is a popular escape for water sports enthusiasts, nature lovers and families. Just an hour’s drive from Brisbane, spend your day relaxing on the sand or get among the action and take a guided kayak, windsurfing or kite surfing tour with Bribie Hire Hut. Pumicestone Passage is also one of the east coast’s most vibrant marine environments so be sure to bring your binoculars to watch flocks of shorebirds dart across the sandbanks and mangroves. You may also be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of dugongs as they make their way through the seagrass beds.

If you prefer to stay dry and explore the mainland with G’Day Adventure Tours offering a range of day trip tours from 4WD safaris to kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. For a more relaxing experience, visit the Bribie Island Seaside Museum, Bribie Island Butterfly House, or savour a sunset cruise with Ferryman Cruises.

D’Aguilar National Park

Discover subtropical rainforest, shady gorges, luscious woodland and spectacular views of Moreton Bay at D’Aguilar National Park. Split into two distinct sections – the South D’Aguilar section at the southern end of the park and the Mount Mee section at the northern end – you can marvel at the contrasting landscapes and natural habitats as you make your way around the 90-minute circuit drive. At the southern edge, visit the Walkabout Creek wildlife centre and grab a bite to eat or order a picnic hamper at the Walkabout Creek Café. As you make your way north, keep an eye out for lookout points near the Mount Nebo and Mount Glorious townships for beautiful views of the eucalypt forest.

Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology 

Spend the morning exploring a treasure trove of world history and ancient possessions at Caboolture’s Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology. From ancient Egyptian artefacts to local historical tours, the museum offers exciting activities to engage kids and adults alike. For lunch, drive just 15 minutes to Redcliffe’s Suttons Beach and find a shady spot to enjoy some of Brisbane’s best fish and chips. Spend the afternoon walking along the sandy beaches and letting the waves lap at your feet or stroll up to Settlement Cove and splash about in the public lagoon and free children’s water park. 

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary 

What better way to enjoy the Brisbane sunshine than by sharing it with some of your favourite Australian wildlife? Miramar Cruises operates a daily Koala and River Cruise taking visitors from the heart of Brisbane to the doorstep of Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary. Spend your morning cruising along the Brisbane River as it meanders past historic landscapes, iconic attractions and spectacular home sites. Enjoy two-and-a-half hours exploring Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and meeting some of Australia’s most iconic native animals. Come face-to-face with more than 130 koalas, watch the friendly kangaroos hop about, spot a shy platypus and witness birds of prey in full flight during a special showcase. Hop back on the boat afterwards to relax and share your stories as you head back into The City.